Winners announced in the Return to work awards 2009

The Return to work awards 2009 winners are:

Category 1 - Small employer achievement award
WINNER: Visy PET Pty Ltd

Betty Luong and David Goodger lead the return to work efforts of this plastic bottle manufacturing plant at Heathwood in the south west of Brisbane. They are passionate about introducing new ideas to the workplace to keep their workforce safe and healthy. A sincere commitment from all levels within the business ensures injured workers are supported throughout their rehabilitation.

Category 2 - Medium employer achievement award
WINNER: Cement Australia

Geoff Currie is the Group Operations Safety Manager and drives the company’s commitment of care to all Queensland employees. Cement Australia ensure injured workers’ needs are always the priority and support is extended to their families. Innovative return to work practices and a strong emphasis on injury prevention and rehabilitation is the reason Cement Australia is a worthy winner.

Category 3 - Large employer achievement award
WINNER: Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works’ rehabilitation team of Allan Lally, Sue Torkington, Jodie Schipper and Lauren Cavello run a wide range of innovative rehabilitation and return to work programs to support injured workers. The department is leading the way with their commitment and care to their diverse work force and are deserving winners of this award.

Category 4 - Self-insured employer achievement award
WINNER: University of Queensland

Kris Fraser and her team at the University of Queensland have implemented a number of rehabilitation initiatives resulting in positive outcomes for injured workers. There is a strong commitment across the organisation to ensure workers have early access to return to work programs.

Category 5 - Injured worker achievement award - return to work same employer
WINNER: Anthony Seng

Tony’s incredible strength and character has inspired his work colleagues, friends and family. With the care and support of his wife Selena, Tony has confronted challenges and shown you can make the most out of any situation and succeed.

Category 6 - Injured worker achievement award - return to work new employer
WINNER: Lesley Crawley

Lesley’s story is a fantastic example of what you can achieve with determination and a positive attitude. Lesley’s remarkable turnaround after her serious work injury is a story of courage and true inspiration.

Category 7 - Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator achievement award
WINNER: Penny Wright (Alphapharm Pty Ltd)

Penny sets a high standard with her dedication to looking after injured workers and their families during their rehabilitation. She is always willing to do what it takes to ensure a good outcome for her workers and they attest to her worthiness for this award.

Category 8 - Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator achievement award - self-insured employer
WINNER: Ursula Lone (Scenic Rim Regional Council)

Ursula’s friendly and caring persona is what makes her injured workers feel supported through their rehabilitation. She is committed and passionate about her role and values a successful return to work as her number one priority. Ursula’s devotion to her role is recognised with this award. 

View all Return to work awards 2009 finalists